Campaign Finance National: “Phantom Super PAC Says It Returned Donations” by Zach Montellaro for Politico Elections California: “San Diego Ballot Measures for Ranked Choice Voting, ‘Clean Elections’ Take Key Step Forward” by David Garrick for San Diego Union Tribune Ethics […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Phantom Super PAC Says It Returned Donations” by Zach Montellaro for Politico
Elections
California: “San Diego Ballot Measures for Ranked Choice Voting, ‘Clean Elections’ Take Key Step Forward” by David Garrick for San Diego Union Tribune
Ethics
National: “House Tells Supreme Court That Mueller Grand Jury Material Is Needed Now” by Robert Barnes and Ann Marimow (Washington Post) for Laredo Morning Times
National: “Barr Installs Top DOJ Aide, Prosecutor of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Trespasser, Over U.S. Prosecutors in Washington” by Spencer Hsu and Keith Alexander (Washington Post) for Beaumont Enterprise
National: “Pompeo’s Moves Against Inspector General Leave a Trail of Questions and a Department Divided” by John Hudson and Carol Morello (Washington Post) for MSN
Michigan: “Bribery Case Against Detroit Councilman Could End in Plea Deal 3 Years After He Took Money” by M.L. Elrick for Detroit Free Press
Missouri: “Clean Missouri Proponents Sue to Have Lawmaker-Approved Repeal Question Rewritten” by Crystal Thomas for Kansas City Star
New Jersey: “Katie Brennan Settles Lawsuit Against State and Murphy Campaign for $1 Million Following Rape Allegation” by Kelly Heyboer and Ted Sherman (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star Ledger
Oregon: “Oregon High Court Halts Ruling Nixing Virus Restrictions” by Gillian Flaccus and Andrew Selsky for AP News
Minnesota House Chamber - Chris Gaukel [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]
The Minnesota Legislature left much unfinished when it adjourned sine die on May 18 as required by the constitution. Both chambers expect to be back in a special session on June 12 when Gov. Walz’s current declaration of a Peacetime […]
The Minnesota Legislature left much unfinished when it adjourned sine die on May 18 as required by the constitution.
Both chambers expect to be back in a special session on June 12 when Gov. Walz’s current declaration of a Peacetime Emergency ends.
If Walz wants to extend the emergency declaration again, he is obligated by law to call a special session to give both chambers the right to rescind his declaration by a majority vote.
Although Walz calls the session, the legislative branch decides when it ends.
This also takes away the governor’s power to set the agenda for the special session.
Most of the bills passed were in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, a Select Committee on Minnesota’s Pandemic Response and Rebuilding was formed to allow the House to continue conversations about the pandemic after wrapping up its regular legislative session.
Rhode Island State House
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Rhode Island General Assembly has extended the delay of the legislative session. House and Senate sessions have been canceled for the week of May 18 to May 22. Additionally, the House and Senate […]
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Rhode Island General Assembly has extended the delay of the legislative session.
House and Senate sessions have been canceled for the week of May 18 to May 22.
Additionally, the House and Senate Finance Committees are expected to review the administration’s third-quarter spending report this week.
Both chambers of the General Assembly are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, May 26.
This does not affect lobbyist reporting.
Campaign Finance National: “Donors Can Now Give $620,600 to Biden and DNC, Expanding Democratic Big-Money Fundraising” by Michelle Ye Hee Lee for Washington Post Oklahoma: “Controversial Oklahoma Bill That Would Have Reversed Campaign Contribution Rules Permanently Killed” by Cassandra Sweetman […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Donors Can Now Give $620,600 to Biden and DNC, Expanding Democratic Big-Money Fundraising” by Michelle Ye Hee Lee for Washington Post
Oklahoma: “Controversial Oklahoma Bill That Would Have Reversed Campaign Contribution Rules Permanently Killed” by Cassandra Sweetman for KFOR
Elections
National: “Freed by Court Ruling, Republicans Step Up Effort to Patrol Voting” by Michael Wines for New York Times
Ethics
National: “Trump’s Company Has Received at Least $970,000 from U.S. Taxpayers for Room Rentals” by David Fahrenthold and Joshua Partlow (Washington Post) for MSN
Alaska: “Alaska Lawmaker Says Hitler Was Not White Supremacist After Comparing Coronavirus Measures to Nazi Rule” by Hannah Knowles and Candace Buckner (Washington Post) for MSN
Legislative Issues
National: “Work from Home Congress? House OKs Proxy Votes” by Lisa Mascaro for AP News
Lobbying
National: “EPA Emails Reveal Talks Between Trump Officials, Chemical Group Before 2017 Settlement” by Rachel Frazen for The Hill
New York: “Who Exactly Is a Lobbyist?” by Rebecca Lewis for City & State
Wyoming Capitol - By Bradlyons - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,
The Legislature’s first special session since 2004 ended Saturday night with three bills headed to the desk of Gov. Mark Gordon for his consideration. The main task of the special session was to set up programs and time frames for […]
The Legislature’s first special session since 2004 ended Saturday night with three bills headed to the desk of Gov. Mark Gordon for his consideration.
The main task of the special session was to set up programs and time frames for the spending of $1.25 billion Wyoming received through the federal CARES act.
Though Gov. Gordon has the ultimate authority to spend the money, the approved legislation provides a broad outline of where that money will go.
South Carolina Capitol Building
On May 12, the South Carolina Legislature met to approve a resolution allowing the state to continue to spend money until the budget can be addressed later this year. In addition to the budget and any potential legislation regarding the […]
On May 12, the South Carolina Legislature met to approve a resolution allowing the state to continue to spend money until the budget can be addressed later this year.
In addition to the budget and any potential legislation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legislature may take up any legislation that has passed either the House or the Senate during the fall session.
As of May 14, the Legislature stands recessed until September 15
Campaign Finance National: “Liberals Embrace Super PACs They Once Shunned” by Max Greenwood for The Hill Maryland: “Super PAC Supporting Baltimore Mayoral Candidate Mary Miller Shuts Down After Email Details Strategy to Attract White Voters” by Talia Richman and Luke […]
Campaign Finance
National: “Liberals Embrace Super PACs They Once Shunned” by Max Greenwood for The Hill
Maryland: “Super PAC Supporting Baltimore Mayoral Candidate Mary Miller Shuts Down After Email Details Strategy to Attract White Voters” by Talia Richman and Luke Broadwater for Baltimore Sun
Ethics
National: “Appeals Court Greenlights Emoluments Suit against Trump” by Josh Gerstein for Politico
National: “Fired Inspector General Was Examining Whether Pompeo Had a Staffer Walk His Dog, Handle Dry Cleaning, Official Says” by Mike DeBonis and John Hudson for Washington Post
National: “Sen. Richard Burr Stepping Aside as Intelligence Committee Chair Amid FBI Investigation of His Stock Sales” by Devlin Barrett, Seung Min Kim, and Katie Shepherd for Washington Post
Florida: “Curry’s Former Chief Administrator, Political Strategist Worked for JEA Bidder, According to Documents” by Christopher Hong for Florida Times Union
Lobbying
National: “K Street, PACs Not Eager to Attend In-Person Fundraisers Yet” by Kate Ackley for Roll Call
Pennsylvania: “Pennsylvania Auditor General Probing ‘Undue’ Outside Influence on Business Waivers” by Christen Smith (The Center Square) for Clearfield Progress
Michigan State Capitol - By Brian Charles Watson
Thursday’s legislative session was canceled and the Capitol in Lansing was closed due to an armed protest and death threats against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. At the end of the Senate session on May 13, lawmakers simply adjourned until May 19 […]
Thursday’s legislative session was canceled and the Capitol in Lansing was closed due to an armed protest and death threats against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
At the end of the Senate session on May 13, lawmakers simply adjourned until May 19 rather than call the next previously scheduled meeting.
The adjournment came in fear of a repeat of the events on April 30.
Armed protesters entered the Senate Chamber’s visitors gallery, standing above the members during the session.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an opinion on May 11 saying the State Capitol Commission could ban firearms.
The commission voted to study a ban this week, and on May 12, Sen. Dayna Polehanki proposed Senate Resolution 118 to ban firearms in the Capitol.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order requiring election officials to send mail-in ballots to every registered voter ahead of the November general election. Newsom acknowledged attempting traditional voting on a mass scale would likely still be too dangerous […]
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order requiring election officials to send mail-in ballots to every registered voter ahead of the November general election.
Newsom acknowledged attempting traditional voting on a mass scale would likely still be too dangerous even in November due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In-person voting is still expected to occur, but the number of people voting at polling places is expected to decline.
Elections National: “Democratic Party Moves Toward Remote Voting for Its Summer Presidential Convention” by Michael Scherer (Washington Post) for MSN National: “Justices Fear ‘Chaos’ If States Can’t Bind Electors’ Votes” by Mark Sherman for AP News National: “Biden Plans to […]
Elections
National: “Democratic Party Moves Toward Remote Voting for Its Summer Presidential Convention” by Michael Scherer (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Justices Fear ‘Chaos’ If States Can’t Bind Electors’ Votes” by Mark Sherman for AP News
National: “Biden Plans to Stay Home, Testing Limits of Virtual Campaign” by Bill Barrow and Steve Peoples for AP News
Florida: “In Florida, Felons Must Pay Court Debts Before They Can Vote. But with No System to Do So, Many Have Found It Impossible.” by Amy Gardner and Lori Rozsa for Washington Post
Ethics
National: “U.S. Judge Puts Justice Department’s Move to Drop Charges Against Michael Flynn on Hold” by Spencer Hsu and Carol Leonnig (Washington Post) for MSN
National: “Pence’s ‘Special Envoy’ in Foreign Aid Office Sparked an Ethics Complaint Just Weeks After He Started His Job” by Yageneh Torbati for ProPublica
Michigan: “Armed Militia Helped a Michigan Barbershop Open, a Coronavirus Defiance That Puts Republican Lawmakers in a Bind” by Moriah Balingit (Washington Post) for MSN
Missouri: “Missouri Lawmakers Send New Redistricting Proposal to Voters” by Summer Ballentine for AP News
Rhode Island: “R.I. Ethics Panel Says Ex-IGT Chairman Had Nothing to Gain from Proposed Contract, Despite His 38,000 Shares” by Katherine Gregg for Providence Journal
Lobbying
National: “What Strip Clubs and Political Consultants Have in Common: They’re fighting for PPP loans.” by Jim Morrill (Charlotte Observer) for MSN
Gov. John Carney issued the 15th modification of the state emergency declaration due to COVID-19. The modification postpones Delaware’s presidential preference primary from June 2 to July 7. Any elections for school board members scheduled for June 16 will be […]
Gov. John Carney issued the 15th modification of the state emergency declaration due to COVID-19.
The modification postpones Delaware’s presidential preference primary from June 2 to July 7.
Any elections for school board members scheduled for June 16 will be postponed to July 21.
Additionally, local elections to be conducted after May 7 and before the end of the state of emergency are to be conducted at the discretion of the municipality.
Originally scheduled for May 12, this is the second postponement of the presidential primary and school board elections.
Gov. Mark Gordon - by MikesGroover
Gov. Mark Gordon called a special session of the Wyoming Legislature to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The two day special session will start at 8:00 a.m. on May 15. Lawmakers will gather both online and in the state […]
Gov. Mark Gordon called a special session of the Wyoming Legislature to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two day special session will start at 8:00 a.m. on May 15.
Lawmakers will gather both online and in the state Capitol, which will be open to those legislators who wish to go there, to distribute federal stimulus money to Wyoming businesses, healthcare facilities and workers.
Through four draft bills, lawmakers will determine how to distribute $500 million of the $1.25 billion the state received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March.
In addition, lawmakers are eyeing new programs to provide loans to businesses, recompense landlords for lost rent to halt evictions, and help fund healthcare facilities and other needs.
Campaign Finance Canada: “Illegal Lobbyist Donations Not Significant Enough to Warrant Prosecution: Report” by Graeme Wood for Powder River Peak Elections North Carolina: “The Southern Democrat with the Power to Shut Down Trump’s Convention” by Maya King for Politico Ethics […]
Campaign Finance
Canada: “Illegal Lobbyist Donations Not Significant Enough to Warrant Prosecution: Report” by Graeme Wood for Powder River Peak
Elections
North Carolina: “The Southern Democrat with the Power to Shut Down Trump’s Convention” by Maya King for Politico
Ethics
National: “Federal Watchdog to Examine Official’s Role in Tribal Fund Distribution” by Emily Cochrane and Mark Walker for New York Times
National: “Democrats Accuse Conservatives of a ‘Dark Money’ Bid to Influence Judges” by Ben Protess and Rebecca Ruiz for New York Times
National: “Ethics Committee Sitting on Alleged Misconduct Report Due to COVID-19” by Chris Marquette for Roll Call
National: “Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Releasing Trump’s Financial Records” by Adam Liptak for New York Times
Kentucky: “Bill Banning Statehouse Sexual Harassment Fails to Pass, Again” by Ryland Barton for WKYU
Lobbying
National: “House Democrat Reintroduces Bill to Reduce Lobbyist Influence” by Alex Gangitano for The Hill
Colorado Capitol Building
Democratic leaders in Colorado’s General Assembly announced the temporary suspension of the legislature will continue until the day after Memorial Day on May 26. The regular session was originally suspended on March 14 to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Colorado […]
Democratic leaders in Colorado’s General Assembly announced the temporary suspension of the legislature will continue until the day after Memorial Day on May 26.
The regular session was originally suspended on March 14 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Colorado lawmakers said the move to resume on May 26 was to ensure additional time for preparations, including safety protocols.
Additionally, clarity on potential congressional action that could impact the state budget will be made certain.
The announcement to extend the suspension of the session took some Republican lawmakers by surprise.
Republican Sen. Paul Lundeen said lawmakers need to start weighing in and addressing critical questions facing unemployment sooner rather than later.
